Laboratory Resources: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

This guide, printable flyer, provides laboratory resources related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). This is a part of a series of one-page resource guides for laboratorians.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It is a zoonotic virus, first identified in 2012, that can spread through direct physical contact from dromedary camels to people. Transmission can occur via close contact through respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucous, of infected people or animals. Human-to-human transmission has been reported. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, pneumonia, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. Most cases have occurred near the Arabian Peninsula. However, travel-linked cases have been reported. The case fatality rate is approximately 35%.

2025-01-07